Food and GI symptom journaling to identify trigger foods, followed by exclusion diets is standard of care for patients with IBS. However, this may cause iatrogenic increases in hypervigilance towards and distress about GI sensations, as well as perceived food intolerance and fear of food. We randomized healthy participants to journal about either food and GI symptoms or sleep and exercise. Food/GI journaling led to significant increases in self-reported GI symptoms, visceral hypervigilance, perceived food intolerance and fear of food. While food journaling is widely recommended in GI symptom management, its use may carry unintended psychological risks.